Political commentator John Brummett has a problem though he would try to convince us, the innocent reader, that there is a danger lurking in the cyber shadows from which we all need to be protected by “real newsmen”. I am speaking, of course, of those dastardly, evil “blogs”.
To hear it told, “real newsmen” are the only ones qualified to render an opinion. Of course we are being told that only the most ignorant and wretched of the masses are running these “blogs”. We are told that “if you have a job and a life”, you are not aware of these “blogs”.
I have news for you, Mr. Brummett, and as a “real newsman” – which I am sure you consider yourself to be – you might appreciate this headline. You, sir, are a snob.
Sort of ironic, isn’t it, that you align yourself with those in politics whom you consider to be “progressive” (it used to be “liberal”), those who are out for the “little guy” and seeking to protect the “little guy” from himself, that you would come across as one who almost resents the fact that hundreds, indeed thousands, of regular, working-class “little guy” Americans have opinions of their own. It might also interest you to notice that there are many “bloggers” out there who have “real” jobs and write for free. One cannot help but wonder how much writing you would do if money were not involved.
To be fair, I have come across some “blogs” whose authors seem to have come from somewhere other than planet Earth. I have also encountered other “blogs” whose writers treat the English language as a toilet stool. There are also at least as many “bloggers” who read only headlines and then discern for themselves what the headline must have meant without actually having read the story. I must say that I have also read some political commentary from “real” writers who surely did the very same thing.
How different is this from “real newsmen” who will hear, word for word, a politician’s speech and come away with an opinion that comes nowhere near what the speaker had actually said? How many “real newsmen” read between the lines and come away with such ridiculous statements as, “This is what he said. However….”
Like you, I must admit my own disdain for those who refuse to sign a name. Those who hide behind “anonymous” are those who might actually have something to say but are probably genuinely afraid to be called on what they say. So they hide.
I also have a certain level of disdain for “real newsmen” whose biting sarcasm is dripping with disdain for those whose opinions differ from their own. The truth is, political commentators such as yourself take the “real” news and then expound on that news by interjecting your own opinions as to what was said, what was not said but should have been, and how wrong they were.
The truth is, the only difference between writing such as yours and a “bloggers” writing is a paycheck. We are not paid to publish our stuff nor do we expect to be paid. Consider this. You are likely educated with a degree in journalism or English. What other credentials do you hold that make you especially qualified to speak to a political situation beyond the fact that you pay attention and, lacking a “real” job, have time to do nothing more than read and write?
The politicos had better be paying attention to the “blogs” for these are the thoughts of working-class, voting citizens. We have something to say, and we’ll not wait around for a paycheck to say it.
Respectfully,
Michael P. Daniel
10 Pin Oak Dr
Conway AR 72034
501-513-9394
mpdaniel@conwaycorp.net
mpdaniel.blogspot.com
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